Fish auction prices dip, but retailers continue charging higher rates

Even though the prices of different varieties of fish have dropped significantly at auctions, customers are not getting the benefit as vendors continue to sell them at a higher price in the retail market, reported Qatar Tribune.

Sources at the Central Fish and Vegetable Market said retail prices of many popular varieties like Sherry, King Fish and Hamour have been 100% higher than the auction price in the last few days.

The auction price of fish dropped after the market timings changed for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Most of the customers say they are not getting any benefit from drop in auction prices of fish.

"Individuals aren’t allowed to be involved in auction. We only get fish from the retail stalls at the Central Market and shopping malls. Now, retailers are controlling the price. So, authorities should either allow individuals to participate in the auction during Ramadan or ensure the availability of fish at a reasonable rate," a regular customer at the Central Market said.

The fishermen community at Al Khor and Al Wakrah were hit by the sudden fall in auction prices.

While 40kg of Sherry was auctioned for QR225 on Thursday, the price for the same was quite high at QR14 per kg in retail market.

While King Fish was auctioned for QR18 (per kg) and Hamour for QR29, their retail prices were QR42 to 50 and QR 52 to 58 per kg respectively.

Courtesy: Qatar-tribune.com